Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in Jerusalem on Sunday that Israel will soon advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, while Hamas said it is ready to lay down its arms as part of its ceasefire with Israel. At a press conference after meeting visiting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu said that the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement has been largely completed. Israel will ensure the return of the last hostage's remains and is set to move forward to the second phase. Netanyahu noted that later this month, he plans to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the progress of the second phase. He reiterated Israel's stance that it will not agree to the establishment of a Palestinian state. Merz said Germany supports Israel's right to exist and its security. He called for the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and stated that Hamas cannot have a role in Gaza's postwar governance. However, Merz also indicated Germany's open attitude towards the establishment of a Palestinian state while opposing any annexation of the West Bank by Israel. Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas' decision-making political bureau, said on the same day that Hamas is very open minded to negotiations regarding its weapons, and Hamas is ready to discuss "freezing or storing" its arsenal of weapons as part of its ceasefire with Israel. Naim said Hamas retains its "right to resist", but stressed that the group is ready to lay down its arms "with the Palestinian guarantees", and not to use them at all during the ceasefire time as part of a process aimed at leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state. He also suggested a long-term truce of five or 10 years for negotiations. Naim also criticized Israel for not fulfilling its commitments, particularly concerning the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the promised reopening of the Rafah Crossing. He called on the United States, the UN Security Council, mediators, and other relevant parties to exert pressure on Israel to meet its obligations. SHOTLIST: Gaza Strip - Nov 28, 2025 1. Various of rubble, tents; 2. Various of displaced Palestinians walking among piles of rubble; Gaza City, Gaza Strip - Recent 3. Various of unexploded bomb inside destroyed building, rubble; Gaza City, Gaza Strip - Nov 10, 2025 5. Ambulance running; Gaza Strip - Recent 6. Various of tents for displaced Palestinians; Gaza Strip - Nov 28, 2025 7. Various of tents, displaced Palestinians, clothes hanging. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]